Being accused of a crime can damage your reputation whether it leads to charges or not. Even if you are never convicted, even allegations can cost you. Most professional licenses have ethics or morals clauses, which can mean your professional license and livelihood may be at risk.
It will vary across different licenses and licensing authorities. Some may not take action until there is an arrest or conviction, while others want to avoid even the suggestion of impropriety. So, even after years of dedication to your profession, your integrity might be called into question by an allegation even if it’s unfounded.
When this occurs, you may need legal representation to help fight back against charges and make sure you can keep your professional license intact.
In some states, your license is only in jeopardy if you are convicted of a crime that is substantially related to your profession. In others, you can face disciplinary hearings even if you have charges dismissed or are acquitted of the charges.
What Type of Licenses Could Be at Risk from Criminal Charges?
Just about any occupation that requires a license retains the right to discipline, censure, suspend, or revoke your license. In case of a felony conviction, you may lose your license for life.
Licensing boards often have vague language that gives them great latitude in how they apply standards, so even if you are charged with a crime, your license may be at risk.
Here are just a few of the professions covered by licensing requirements:
- Medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and optometrists
- Veterinarians
- Lawyers
- Commercial truck drivers
- Real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers
- Financial services providers, such as accountants, insurance agents, or bank executives
- Teachers
- Architects
- Contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other building trades
The process of fighting to keep your licensing can also be intimidating. You might get your license suspended based on charges and invest considerable time and money in trying to get a suspension overturned. It’s not unusual for the process to take several months to a year while a state licensing board conducts its investigation. The entire time, your professional reputation is questioned and your ability to earn a living is on hold.
If you are charged with a variety of crimes, your license may be in jeopardy. Here are some of the more common charges that can impact your professional licensing:
- White-collar crimes, such as fraud, forgery, or embezzlement
- Sex crimes
- Domestic violence
- DUI and drug offenses
- Violent crimes
Facing Criminal Charges? You Need ATAC Law
If you are a licensed professional facing criminal charges, get in touch with ATAC Law, the best criminal law firm in Las Vegas. As criminal defense attorneys, we have decades of experience in criminal defense law and can help you fight back to keep your license or recover it.
If you’re worried about losing your license, don’t wait! Contact ATAC Law and let us help.
Call us for help
To learn more about criminal defense in Las Vegas or to discuss a particular criminal case that you or someone you love is facing, Call ATAC Law firm for help to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Contact us for a FREE phone meeting to discuss your case with what people are calling the best criminal defense attorney in Las Vegas.
At ATAC, our Las Vegas team of lawyers is here to work with you to help you through your case.